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Topic Review (Newest First)

02-03-2012 07:41 PM

madness

It looks to me like the focal point of your current layout is the grouping of three rocks right next to each other with the tallest rock in the center.

The cluster of hair grass in the background on the left side of the tank also draws the eye in.

Maybe for a test you could move the group of three rocks to the left side of the tank (measure 9" in to the tank from the left hand wall of the tank and center the middle rock of the group on that location).

This will take the focal point that is the rock cluster and position it according to the Golden Ratio and it will also allow the hair grass to sort of 'backdrop' the rock cluster.

In theory this will allow the hair grass to add emphasis and impact to the rock cluster that you are using as a focal point rather than distracting from it.

Once you get the focal point figured out in a way that you like then you can attempt to add the remaining rocks back into the aquascape in a way that doesn't 'break' the layout.

Basically start with a good focal point or centerpiece (though it won't actually be centered) to form the core of the design and then everything that you add after that should compliment the focal point rather than distracting or detracting from it.

Hope that helps.

02-03-2012 07:30 PM

madness

Quote:

Originally Posted by KenRC51

This is my first planted tank. Any suggestions?

I am not good at art or anything involving design or aesthetics but I have recently done some research on some of the design terms that get thrown around by people in regards to aquascaping. I will take a stab at explaining the basic ideas to you and then you can follow some links to get detailed information from people with actual knowledge and talent about design.

There are methods and tricks (using certain perspectives, manipulating focal points, etc.) that allow the artist or designer to sort of force a certain viewing experience that humans tend to find aesthetically pleasing.

With aquascaping the primary goal seems to be upon using specifically located focal points to not only draw in the viewer's eye but also to help tie together the aquascape as a whole.

The most commonly used and discussed system for doing this is called 'The Golden Ratio.'

Here is a link to an explanation of how to use the Golden Ratio in an aquascape and it just so happens to use a 20 gallon high tank (very similar dimensions to your 17G tank) as the example so you can basically just copy the focal points and measurements to get you started and then fine tune your positioning from that point on.

Cliff Notes: you need to have one primary focal point in this aquascape and you do not want it to be dead center in the tank - you want it to be off center. In your tank it should measure in 15" from one side of the tank (leaving ~9" to the opposite side of the tank).

02-03-2012 06:51 PM

KenRC51

Quote:

Originally Posted by dunehole

What did you end up doing with the light? Bending the legs, or hanging it.. or what?

I left it as-is but I'll be moving the tank onto a 4 tier shelf so I will hang the light or put the light on the upper shelf since the 17g will be on the higher shelf. The middle shelf is where my 20g CRS/CBS goes.

I will post some pictures when I get that set up. Hopefully soon.

02-02-2012 05:20 PM

dunehole

What did you end up doing with the light? Bending the legs, or hanging it.. or what?

02-02-2012 04:51 PM

KenRC51

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlazednSleepy

I think your hardscape needs a bit of rearranging. Theres really no focal point. It's all over the place.

This is my first planted tank. Any suggestions?

02-02-2012 06:34 AM

BlazednSleepy

I think your hardscape needs a bit of rearranging. Theres really no focal point. It's all over the place.

02-02-2012 05:34 AM

KenRC51

Update on my dirty algae tank

I know I need to trim my glosso and DHG. I'm waiting on ebay to deliver my aquascape tools. I also plan to move my tank to a 4 tier shelf that will fit my 20g CRS/CBS tank. Will post update on it.

12-16-2011 04:30 PM

dunehole

Looks good. I hope you try and hang the light .

12-16-2011 05:58 AM

KenRC51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dragonfish

Pull the legs out and bend them 180 degrees. I had to do that on my 55 gallon for it to fit right. They bend pretty easy.

You got some pictures of it?

12-16-2011 04:26 AM

Dragonfish

Pull the legs out and bend them 180 degrees. I had to do that on my 55 gallon for it to fit right. They bend pretty easy.

12-16-2011 03:31 AM

KenRC51

17g Mr. Aqua

Finally got my ADA Aqua Soils!!! Here are some photos, probably gonna start planting in a day or 2.

-Mr Aqua 17g
-24" Odyssea 4x24watt 6500k (Should of got the 20" so it can fit, now I gotta find out how to hang it or cut a little bit longer plexi glass so the stand can fit) Any other ideals?
-Sprinkled some Bacter 100 and Tourmaline BC (Should of bought some Clear Super) on bottom
-1/2 Fluval substrate bottom
-3/4 ADA New Amazonia Aqua soil Regular
-1/2 ADA Amazonia II Aqua soil Powder, spread on the front 1"h x 2"w and a think layer on top of the rest of the Aqua soil.